Leeds United: Darren Bent shocked over Barry Douglas form for Whites as defender falls down pecking order

Speaking to Football Insider surrounding the circumstances of defender Barry Douglas at Leeds United, former England striker Darren Bent has had his say over the perceived downturn of the player since his move – going on to claim that it has ‘really not happened for him‘.

Bent, who played for the likes of Sunderland, Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa in the Premier League during an impressive career, scoring 211 goals in total for nine different clubs (Transfermarkt), retired from the professional game last summer at the age of 35 – since taking to punditry and expressing his opinions.

The ex-Charlton Athletic forward has now had his say regarding out-of-favour Whites defender Barry Douglas, with the former Wolves left-back starting just four Championship games at Elland Road this season (WhoScored). Fellow full-back Stuart Dallas is currently ahead of Douglas in the pecking order, with Bent unable to wrap his head around how he hasn’t been able to become a mainstay under Bielsa – especially after making 27 league appearances last campaign.

“I fully expected him to go to Leeds and be a top, top player but for whatever reason it’s not really happened for him.

“Why? I couldn’t tell you why but unfortunately these things happen.”

Indeed, whether or not Douglas can fight his way to a spot in Bielsa’s first team is up for debate, but he will certainly have to do a lot of work if he hopes to usurp Dallas’ place in the left-back position.

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